Channel 4‘s Ideas Factory has launched a new competition for story writers. The winner will have their work published and a short break to Spain (the competition is run in conjunction with Barcelona-based publisher cafeDiverso). Entrants are invited to submit stories of 800 to 1,500 words that relate to London or any other place in the UK. Closing date March 31. Details at: www.channel4.comideasfactory

Wish you were listening

Sonic Postcards is a plan that encourages young people to compare their local soundscapes by swapping sound postcards with other schools. They create compositions reflecting their sonic surroundings which are uploaded to the Sonic Postcards website and exchanged via email with other schools in the project. So far, about 55 schools have taken part and Sonic Postcards has been shortlisted in the national eWell-Being Awards.

These awards, run by Sustain IT, aim to uncover pioneering projects that identify and promote ICT.

www.sonicpostcards.org

www.sustainit.orgewell-being-awardsindex.php

Acids test of appeal

The Scibermonkey website to be launched next week aims to help pupils enjoy science. Aimed at key stage 3, the site provides links to online materials for students and teachers. It allows pupils to search subjects such as cells, acids and alkalis, reproduction, electrical circuits and respiration by year groups. The search engine on the teachers’

page finds extra websites for lesson planning. A logo denotes websites that also feature on the pupils’ pages, so teachers know what students are able to view. Teachers who know of websites they feel would help other teachers should send details via the feedback page. The site has been created by the Biochemical Society.

www.scibermonkey.org

Discounts everywhere

Make the most of being a teacher by qualifying for discounts on a wide range of products. Varying discount are available on motoring, gifts, flowers, eating out, theatre, concerts, books, toys, games, clothing, broadband, computers, health and beauty, holidays, home, gardening and DIY, DVDs, insurance, finance, health clubs and sporting equipment. Current offers include 10 per cent off superbreak holidays and mobile phone offers.

www.teacherdiscounts.co.uk

Sign on

Waterfall Rainbows provides information and resources about British Sign Language, used by more than 50,000 deaf people in the UK.

Users can browse a British Sign Language video dictionary, learn fingerspelling and find information for left-handed signers. The online bookshop provides resources and can be searched for courses at all levels.

www.waterfallrainbows.co.uk